Lawsuit fights to save vulnerable Minnesotans from institutionalization
For the average Minnesotan, waking up, going to work, doing a load of laundry, and brushing their teeth are simply […]
News
Minnesota Disability Pride events
Communities across the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota have organized an expansive calendar of accessible spaces for connection, culture, […]
Wilderness Inquiry welcomes all abilities into the outdoors this summer
For nearly 50 years, the Bloomington-based non-profit Wilderness Inquiry has proven that people with disabilities can have fun outdoors. The […]
The Tabakas and Three Rivers Park District are helping people explore the outdoors this summer
For some Minnesotans with disabilities, venturing into the wilderness can feel intimidating. But for Sam and Tracy Tabaka, nature isn’t […]
Focus Beyond helps high school students with disabilities transition to what’s next
For most high school students, graduation is a time to celebrate. However, for some students receiving special education services, graduation […]
Freedom in the deep: Free-Daptive Divers want you to join them
In 1991, Aaron Cross was a 15-year-old with Olympic dreams. A dedicated cyclist, he was competing in a road race […]
Minnesota’s finest ready for 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
In less than a week, the world’s elite adaptive athletes will meet in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, for the […]
Minnesota Athletes in 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
From Friday March 6 to Sunday March 15, the world’s elite adaptive athletes will meet in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, […]
Locking doors on scared children: The fight to end seclusion in Minnesota schools
When parents envision a special room for a child in distress, they likely picture beanbag chairs, soft lighting, and toys. […]
Hundreds gather for town hall on harm caused by Minnesota fraud mitigation
More than 700 Minnesotans gathered virtually on February 4 for a statewide discussion to address harm caused by recent Minnesota […]
Leading in challenging times
Amidst federal efforts to dismantle programs helping underserved communities, along with threats to several state protections for people with disabilities, […]
Call for gardeners: raised gardens available in Saint Paul
For many Minnesotans, the deep freeze of January is spent dreaming of spring planting. But for gardeners with mobility issues, […]
Three Rivers Park District is making winter accessible
Winter is often a season that Minnesotans with disabilities simply endure, rather than enjoy. Between snow-covered sidewalks and below-zero temperatures, […]
Same goals, new reality: Kirk Ingram and GUSU achieve major victories
In the summer of 2015, Kirk Ingram was excited about the path his life was taking. He was 28 years […]
Dependable announces shutdown
Upcoming regulatory changes, increased operating costs and staffing challenges are forcing a St. Paul-based home health care company to wind […]
Autism Society of Minnesota faces major funding shortfall
What are described as “drastic policy and funding changes” have created a $500,000 budget shortfall for the Autism Society of […]
A day that should have been happy and exciting
NAMI National and NAMI Minnesota, the national and state offices of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are deeply saddened […]
New food and beverages await at accessible fair dining venues
Many people who attend the Minnesota State Fair make a point of trying new foods or enjoying longtime favorites. For […]
Transitions underway in community
Major transitions are underway in Minnesota’s disability community, with leaders who have championed inclusion. Sue Abderholden, longtime executive director of […]
July’s many celebrations include disability pride fest
July is not only when the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is marked, it’s also a time […]
Protecting ADA rights is goal
Can the Minnesotans with Disabilities Act preserve federal protections of reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities? A bipartisan group of […]
Civic plaza to be improved
A $175,000 plan to address pedestrian concerns and accessibility at Rochester’s Peace Plaza is moving forward. City Council members said […]
Every child, everywhere needs an accessible place to play
Remember when some of us couldn’t enjoy an average neighborhood park or school’s playground? We’d look longingly at the slides […]
He has questions about ICI program on competitive integrated employment
The January 2025 issue of Access Press included an article, “Subminimum wages are eyed for change at federal level“” written […]
Autism centers probed
The FBI served search warrants December 12 at two autism treatment providers, as part of a wide-ranging Medicaid fraud investigation […]
Improved employment opportunities, disabled clients, are new grant’s focus
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has secured a $19.1 million grant from the federal government to […]
245D Bill of Rights workbooks available for people receiving waiver services
Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan was developed to ensure that people with disabilities are living, learning, working, and enjoying life in the […]
Duluth-based Lighthouse Center for Vital Living enjoys new space
Duluth’s Lighthouse Center for Vital Living is enjoying a new location in that city’s downtown. An open house and ribbon-cutting […]
2024 Access Press Awards: Slideshow and Photos
Enjoy these photos of the November 1 Access Press Awards reception by clicking through the slideshow below, or look at […]
First-ever sensory rooms to be created at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Another airport accommodation The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) will create its first-ever sensory rooms to provide calming spaces designed […]
Service providers to use state grants to aid those living with dementia
Thirty-seven organizations across Minnesota will use $4.4 million in state grant funds to support creativity and innovation as they assist […]
Join Access Press on November 1 as we honor those who serve
Honor the best in disability advocacy and service at the 2024 Access Press Awards—Get your tickets now! The annual Access […]
Announcing the 2024 Access Press Awards
As summer turns to autumn and the rush of fall events fills your calendar, don’t let time slip away! Make […]
He’s new and wants to hear your ideas, Minneapolis residents
I’m Guthrie Byard, the City of Minneapolis’ first community specialist for people with disabilities. Before joining the city recently, I […]
Meet many worthy nominees for our Access Press Awards
Our November 1 Access Press awards event and celebration will be here before you know it. Mark your calendars and […]
Please support Access Press as we near our 35th anniversary
Community papers are crucial to our democracy because they provide reliable and trustworthy information. At Access Press we provide a […]
Minnesota State Fair offers accessibility options
How can it be that summer is nearing an end? The 2024 Minnesota State Fair is August 22 through Labor […]
Disability Pride Day a time for community members to gather and shine
ACT and many partners staged a very successful Disability Pride Day on the Minnesota Capitol grounds July 28. Many advocacy […]
Accessible venues provide a great way to enjoy favorite fair foods
New foods and longtime tasty favorites are part of the Minnesota State Fair, so Access Press works with fair staff […]
Minnesotans celebrate as three new veterans homes are dedicated
This summer Minnesota officials have formally dedicated new homes for veterans. The three homes, which opened earlier this year, provide […]
Drive-through decision is pulling ahead
People with disabilities who use drive-through services in St. Paul will know this summer how new services will fare, or […]
Limits on drive-throughs are eyed
St. Paul could become the latest city to limit new drive-through sales and services if a proposal is adopted this […]
DNR prepares to invest $35 million in many parks access features statewide
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has plans to invest $35 million in Get Out MORE funds on wide-ranging […]
Volunteer Braille Services ends decades of services to readers
Volunteer Braille Services (VBS), which provided Braille materials of all types for almost 60 years, is closing down. The nonprofit […]
Rideshare firms may leave metro on May 1
Transportation network companies Uber and Lyft could end service in Minneapolis and beyond May 1, if a dispute over pay […]
Jobs are a focus at the new Highland Popcorn shop in St. Paul
by Carolyn Walkup The new Highland Popcorn store in Highland Village Center in St. Paul is not your typical retail […]
Concerns raised about state academies’ future
by Colton Kemp Faribault Daily News A lack of transparency, poor communication and declined enrollment are among the reported concerns that led […]
Plan ahead and avoid dangers of wintertime weather
Winter can be an isolating and potentially dangerous time for Minnesotans with disabilities. Before the snow flies, make plans for needs […]
Be safe and warm this winter with heating resources and energy tips
The onset of winter weather brings changes and challenges for Minnesotans with disabilities. Be prepared and stay safe, whether at home […]
Stay safe, warm at home
It may be cozy to be at home during a winter storm, watching snowflakes hit the windows. Without preparation, winter […]
